Samsung Unveils Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, SleepSense Device at IFA 2015

Samsung took to the stage at the ongoing IFA trade show event on Thursday to announce a range of Internet of Things products. The South Korean technology conglomerate unveiled the SleepSense health-centric device, and its first Ultra HD HD Blu-ray player. The firm also unveiled an Internet-connected Samsung WW8500 AddWash washing machine.

First up is the company's first Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The company says that the player offers 64 times higher colour expression and four times the resolution of of standard Blu-ray devices. The device also offers upscaling to provide UHD resolution for "any disc," the company noted. The new Blu-ray player also supports high dynamic range (HDR) video.

The Samsung SleepSense is a personal healthcare device designed to help people improve the quality of their sleep. The device does so by analysing sleep patterns - including duration and quality - and providing personalised sleep reports via its mobile app.

Here's how it works: you keep the device under your mattress, get the app on your device, and connect the two. From that point onwards, the SleepSense starts to track your sleep cycle using its contactless sensor, which as the company claims, is up to 97 percent accurate. In addition to your sleep, it also analyses heart and respiratory rates. The device beams reports in the morning, and lets you know how your sleep pattern compares to others.

Once it has gleaned information about you, it also gives you expert recommendations and tips on how to improve your sleep experience. Another interesting feature of the device is its ability to pair up with other Samsung smart appliances. This could help you by automatically switch off the Samsung smart TV when you doze off.

At its IFA 2015 event, Samsung's SmartThings firm also announced a new lineup of products for the US and UK, including an upgraded SmartThings Hub, new sensors, and a redesigned mobile app. Alex Hawkinson, CEO and founder of SmartThings, said, "This marks our first product launch as part of the Samsung family, and together we're continuing our commitment to deliver the easiest smart home solutions with a truly open 'Internet of Things' platform that maximizes collaboration and innovation across the industry."

The new SmartThings Hub retails for $99 with sensors ranging between $30 and $55 each, and has been upgraded with a new processor that delivers video monitoring and promises better battery life, lasting up to 10 hours in case of power outage. Automations can now also be processed without an Internet connections. With the new video monitoring feature, Samsung is also rolling out the Smart Home Monitor solution. The redesigned SmartThings app on the other hand, for Android and iOS, features a more intuitive navigation UI.

The Samsung WW8500 AddWash is company's new washing machine. The WW8500 AddWash lets you add more clothes and detergent or fabric softener at any point during the wash cycle. "The new front-loader with the AddWash feature will make your laundry stress-free," said BK Yoon, President and CEO at Samsung Electronics, adding, "With its unique features, it is a perfect time-saving and convenient solution for busy families."

The AddWash also offers features such as a 'child lock' to prevent kids from accidentally opening the machine's door. The AddWash syncs with both Android and iOS smartphones, and let you check the progress of the laundry program.